Cassano has shaken off a knock to face his former club, who he left in bitter circumstances in January 2011 following a row with then-President Riccardo Garrone. The pair made up before Garrone’s death earlier this year and rumours continue of a potential return to Marassi.

Fredy Guarin takes a trequartista role behind Cassano and ex-Genoa hitman Rodrigo Palacio, while Mateo Kovacic is again given the midfield reins.

Sampdoria can count on Mauro Icardi, who has been repeatedly linked with a summer transfer to Inter, and ex-Nerazzurri men Andrea Poli and Angelo Palombo.

Striker Eder is suspended, while Andrea Costa misses out due to injury, so Gianluca Sansone partners Icardi in attack.